The siege of Kabul International Airport by citizens fleeing the Taliban's takeover of power a year and a half ago. Then there was the Steccato di Cutro shipwreck a week ago, with many Afghans among the victims still on the run. In between, a silent tragedy, yes, but one that has never ended. In his speech at the inauguration ceremony of the academic year 2022/2023 of the University of Basilicata, President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella reconnects that thread, recalling that "Freedom is ineffective in any community unless it is the right of all. And the entire world is becoming more of a gathered community, one without real distance, an interconnected community in which a lack of freedom or exercise of rights in one place affects everyone, everywhere ". Indeed, he affirms, we are especially sensitive to this call at the present time." Not far from here, on the coasts of Calabria, a tragic event occurred a few days ago that, as we all know, completely engulfed our country's emotions ". Those Afghan refugees, both those who died and those who fortunately survived, "First and foremost, it brought to mind what our country did nearly two years ago when the Taliban occupied Kabul: bringing to Italy not only our soldiers on mission there, but all Afghan citizens who had collaborated with our mission. We have not left any behind; instead, we have welcomed them all here in Italy ". A long time ago, but a strong, unmistakable bond. This, as Mattarella emphasizes, reminds us of the television images of the large crowd of Afghans at Kabul airport begging for a flight to somewhere else. As a result, we can understand why entire families, people who see no future, try to leave, with suffering - as is always the case - their own land in search of a better future elsewhere". Lastly, the message to the institutions, the call to assume national and local responsibility: "In light of the tragic event that has transpired, but even more so in light of the dramatic conditions that this represents, as in other nations, condolences must be translated into concrete, operational decisions by all. Of Italy, for its part, of the European Union, and of all its member states. Because this is the true response to what has occurred, to the conditions that, again, affect everyone, anywhere in the world, in violation of human rights and freedom". (Photo by Max Cavallari)